‘The Lebanese Army is ready’: Joseph Aoun hosts U.S. congressman in Baabda

BEIRUT — President Joseph Aoun reiterated on Saturday during a meeting in Baabda with visiting U.S. Rep. Ronny Jackson (TX-13) that Lebanon's position is "firm and final" concerning the situation in the south, particularly along the border with Israel. The head of state emphasized the necessity of a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the positions they still occupy, as well as the release of Lebanese prisoners held by Israel.

Aoun also told U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Lisa Johnson during a meeting on Saturday that the Lebanese Army "has deployed in the villages and localities from which the Israeli forces have withdrawn,” adding that “it is ready to position itself all along the border," where, despite having extended and then surpassing the deadline for their withdrawal, Israeli troops continue to occupy five sites on Lebanese territory.

Aoun also told Johnson that “cooperation is proceeding effectively" with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), with the aim of implementing U.N. Resolution 1701 and the provisions of the agreement reached on Nov. 27, though he criticized Israel for its "violations" of the deal, denouncing its "continued occupation" of various high points along the border.

He called on guarantor countries France and the U.S. — who are both part of the committee that is meant to be monitoring the cease-fire, but in reality has done little other than record violations — "to exert pressure on Israel to fully respect the agreement."

"The Lebanese Army is fully carrying out its missions, in coordination with UNIFIL, and all rumors that imply it is neglecting the implementation of the agreements are unfounded," Aoun said.

Aoun criticized Israel, stating that "the continuous occupation constitutes a violation of this agreement," while calling on the guarantor countries, particularly the United States, to "apply pressure on Israel to fully respect the agreement." The Lebanese president told Jackson that "the Lebanese Army is fully carrying out its missions in coordination with UNIFIL, and all rumors that it is neglecting to implement the agreements are unfounded," an argument notably used by Israel to continue occupying Lebanese territory beyond the previous deadlines of Jan. 26 and Feb. 18.

At the end of the meeting, the American congressman said he found "an outstanding partner in President Joseph Aoun," adding that he "looks forward, as a member of the U.S. Congress, to the continuation of the long-standing historic relationship" between Lebanon and the United States. Jackson expressed a desire to see "not only Lebanon but the entire Middle East entering a new era of peace and prosperity."

Regarding the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, the congressman stated that his country "plays a role of mediator between Lebanese and Israeli leaders" and expressed the hope that "the border will be entirely redefined, and that Lebanon will have full control over its borders once security is guaranteed." He wished for "Lebanese on one side and Israelis on the other to be able to look at each other across the border and feel safe." He also pledged his commitment to work with the American administration to "provide the necessary support to the Lebanese Army."